EP4306895A1 - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (10A; 10B; 10C) for connecting to a tube (20), comprising a head (200), a slide (600) provided with a through hole, and a seal ring (400) arranged between the head and the drawer, the head (200) comprising a housing (230) capable of receiving a first end (602) of the drawer. The drawer received in the housing (230) includes:
- a first position, called the assembly position, in which the drawer (200) is able to receive a tube (20) via a second end (604) of the drawer so that the tube passes through the joint ring (400 ); And
- a second position, called the working position, in which the seal ring (400) can be compressed by the first end (602) of the drawer.

The slide (600) moves from the first position to the second position under the effect of a pushing force.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a connector for connecting to a tube, in particular to a micro-channel tube. The present invention also relates to a set of such a connector and a tube.

Prior art

In particular, in the field of vehicles with electric and/or hybrid engines, the electrical energy is provided by batteries which are caused to heat up during operation. It is essential to cool the batteries to avoid damage due to excessively high temperatures. Generally, thermal regulation is ensured by means of a heat transfer fluid which circulates in a thermal management system. Thermal management systems comprising tubes and connectors which are used for this purpose are known from the state of the art. However, there are disadvantages in these systems, for example the tubes are joined to the connectors by brazing, or the assembly of the tubes and connectors seems laborious, or the structure is complicated to provide a good and reliable seal within the connector. .

The patent document WO2020/187612 describes a connection between a flat tube of extruded aluminum mini-channels and a connector. The device provided for in this document requires an assembly method which requires complex maneuvers.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks, by proposing a modular connector which allows for simplified assembly with reduced assembly force and a simple structure while guaranteeing the required sealing. The present invention also relates to the assembly of such a connector and a tube.

To this end, the present invention relates to a connector for connecting to a tube. The connector comprises a head, a drawer provided with a through hole, and a seal ring disposed between the head and the drawer. The head comprises a housing capable of receiving a first end of the drawer.

• une première position, dite position d'assemblage, dans laquelle le tiroir est apte à recevoir un tube par une deuxième extrémité du tiroir de sorte que le tube passe à travers la bague de joint; et
• une deuxième position, dite position de travail, dans laquelle la bague de joint est susceptible d'être compressée ou déformée par la première extrémité du tiroir;

et que le tiroir se déplace de la première position à la deuxième position sous effet d'une force de poussée.According to one aspect of the invention, the connector has the following characteristics: the drawer received in the housing comprises:

• a first position, called the assembly position, in which the drawer is able to receive a tube through a second end of the drawer so that the tube passes through the joint ring; And
• a second position, called the working position, in which the seal ring is likely to be compressed or deformed by the first end of the drawer;

and the drawer moves from the first position to the second position under the effect of a pushing force.

Advantageously, the connector has a simple structure and provides good and reliable sealing.

In one embodiment, the connector comprises a clip disposed between the joint ring and a stop within the housing and the clip comprises an internal space capable of receiving at least partially an end section of a tube.

Advantageously, this makes it possible to further retain a tube which is inserted into the connector. The arrangement of the clip prevents damage to the seal ring by the clip.

In one embodiment, the drawer is retained at the head in the first position and/or in the second position by mechanical fixing means. Advantageously, this allows simple assembly without the need for special tools or processes.

In one embodiment, the drawer is retained to the head in the first position and/or the second position by a snap connection. Advantageously, this makes it possible to obtain a sensation of clipping during assembly and simple disassembly.

In one embodiment, the seal ring is a sealing ring. In one embodiment, the seal ring is sandwiched between the drawer and a wall of the housing when the drawer is in the second position.

Advantageously, this makes it possible to guarantee tightness.

In one embodiment, the seal ring includes at least two retaining lips on its interior surface.

Advantageously, this makes it possible to obtain better sealing and/or better mechanical grip between the seal ring and the tube.

In one embodiment, the drawer and the seal ring are overmolded. Advantageously, this makes it possible to keep the shape of the seal ring before introducing the tube, and therefore prevent it from being damaged by the tube.

In one embodiment, the head includes an opening for receiving a tool for releasing the drawer in the first position and/or the second position.

In one embodiment, the head comprises a cavity of triangular or trapezoidal shape in the continuation of the housing.

In one embodiment, the head includes visual inspection means making it possible to check the state of assembly between the head and the drawer.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the assembly of a connector and a tube has the following characteristics: the tube is received in the drawer of the head.

In one embodiment, in the second position, the seal ring compressed or deformed by the slide ensures a seal between the head and the tube.

In one embodiment, in the second position, the joint ring compressed or deformed by the slide ensures mechanical gripping with the tube.

In one embodiment, the tube is a microchannel tube comprising at least one flat surface.

In one embodiment, the tube is a microchannel tube comprising at least one corrugated surface.

Advantageously, the entire connector and the tube are capable of cooling or heating objects having a variety of surfaces.

In one embodiment, in the second position, the seal ring compressed or deformed by the drawer interferes with an interior wall of the housing.

Advantageously, this makes it possible to reinforce the seal obtained.

Brief description of the figures

• la Figure 1A représente une vue en perspective d'un connecteur comportant une tête, un tiroir et une bague de joint selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la Figure 1B représente une vue en perspective d'un connecteur comportant une tête, un tiroir, une agrafe et une bague de joint selon un autre mode de réalisation de la présente invention ;
• la Figure 2 représente une vue en éclaté d'un connecteur de la figure 1A et un tube ;
• la Figure 3A représente une vue en perspective de la tête qui est un composant du connecteur ;
• la Figure 3B représente une vue en perspective d'un tiroir auquel une bague de joint est solidarisée;
• la Figure 4 représente une vue de connecteur qui est prêt à recevoir un tube ;
• la Figure 5 représente une vue de connecteur assemblé comportant une agrafe et prêt à recevoir un tube ;
• la Figure 6A représente une vue de connecteur de la présente invention qui reçoit un tube, le tiroir étant dans une première position ;
• la Figure 6B représente une vue en coupe partielle de la Figure 6A ;
• la Figure 6C représente une autre vue de connecteur de la présente invention qui reçoit un tube, le tiroir étant dans une première position ;
• la Figure 7A représente une vue de connecteur de la présente invention ayant reçu un tube, le tiroir étant dans une deuxième position ;
• la Figure 7B représente une vue en coupe partielle de la Figure 7A ;
• la Figure 7C représente une autre vue de connecteur de la présente invention ayant reçu un tube, le tiroir étant dans une deuxième position ;
• la Figure 8A représente une vue en coupe de la Figure 6C ;
• la Figure 8B représente une vue en coupe de la Figure 7C ;
• la Figure 9A représente une vue en perspective d'un groupe de cellules cylindriques dont les tubes de gestion thermique sont reliés par des connecteurs selon la présente invention ;
• la Figure 9B représente une vue partielle du groupe de la figure 9A avec deux connecteurs à monter ;
• la Figure 10A représente une vue de dessus d'un connecteur selon un mode de réalisation ayant reçu un tube ;
• la Figure 10B représente une vue en coupe du dispositif de la Figure 10A ;
• la Figure 10C représente une autre vue en coupe du dispositif de la Figure 10A ;
• la Figure 11 représente une vue de dessus de connecteurs liés ayant tous reçu un tube.

Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the description which follows, given for explanatory and in no way limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• there Figure 1A represents a perspective view of a connector comprising a head, a drawer and a seal ring according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• there Figure 1B represents a perspective view of a connector comprising a head, a drawer, a clip and a seal ring according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• there Figure 2 represents an exploded view of a connector of the Figure 1A and a tube;
• there Figure 3A represents a perspective view of the head which is a component of the connector;
• there Figure 3B represents a perspective view of a drawer to which a joint ring is secured;
• there Figure 4 shows a view of a connector that is ready to receive a tube;
• there Figure 5 represents a view of an assembled connector comprising a clip and ready to receive a tube;
• there Figure 6A shows a view of a connector of the present invention which receives a tube, the drawer being in a first position;
• there Figure 6B represents a partial sectional view of the Figure 6A ;
• there Figure 6C shows another view of a connector of the present invention which receives a tube, the drawer being in a first position;
• there Figure 7A shows a view of a connector of the present invention having received a tube, the drawer being in a second position;
• there Figure 7B represents a partial sectional view of the Figure 7A ;
• there Figure 7C represents another view of a connector of the present invention having received a tube, the drawer being in a second position;
• there Figure 8A represents a sectional view of the Figure 6C ;
• there Figure 8B represents a sectional view of the Figure 7C ;
• there Figure 9A represents a perspective view of a group of cylindrical cells whose thermal management tubes are connected by connectors according to the present invention;
• there Figure 9B represents a partial view of the group of the Figure 9A with two connectors to mount;
• there Figure 10A represents a top view of a connector according to one embodiment having received a tube;
• there Figure 10B represents a sectional view of the device of the Figure 10A ;
• there Figure 10C represents another sectional view of the device of the Figure 10A ;
• there Figure 11 represents a top view of linked connectors all having received a tube.

Description of embodiments

The different figures as well as the elements of the same figure are not necessarily represented at the same scale. In all of the figures, identical elements bear the same numerical reference.

The terminology employed in the present description should in no way be construed in a limiting or restrictive manner, simply because it is used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention.

There Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a 10A connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. The connector 10A comprises a head 200, a drawer 600 and a joint ring 400. The head 200 comprises a housing 230 capable of receiving a first end 602 of the drawer. The drawer 600 is provided with a passage orifice and capable of receiving a tube via a second end 604. In operating condition, the joint ring 400 is arranged between the head and the drawer.

In a preferred embodiment, the tube 20 is a tube with mini channels and/or micro-channels (Micro Port Extrusion or MPE or miltiport flat tube).

There Figure 1B shows a perspective view of a 10B connector according to another embodiment. In addition to the head 200, the drawer 600 and a joint ring 400, the connector 10B advantageously includes a clip 300. As will be seen later, the clip 300 makes it possible to further retain a tube which is inserted in the connector 10B. Advantageously, the clip 300 is metallic.

There Figure 2 shows an exploded view of connector 10B having a clip 300 which is ready to connect to a tube 20. In operating mode, the drawer 600 is received in the housing 230 of the head 200. The tube 20 passes through the orifice passage 620 and the joint ring 400. The tube is received by the clip 300 located at the bottom of the housing 230. One end of the tube 20 is retained by the clip 300 which is itself retained by an internal wall of the housing 230 of the head.

Advantageously, the clip 300 has a "U" section and defines an interior space intended to receive one end of the tube 20. The clip 300 advantageously comprises interior retaining means, such as an interior tab 340 or undercut, to retain the tube. The clip 300 also includes external retaining means, such as an external tab 360 or undercut, allowing it to be retained by the head 200 in the housing 230. Advantageously, the clip 300 is arranged between the joint ring 400 and the head 200 The tube 20 passes through the joint ring and is then retained by the clip 300. This prevents damage to the joint ring by the clip.

On the Figure 3A , we observe the head 200 of the connector, which comprises a body 210 capable of receiving the drawer 600 with its housing 230.

The head 200 advantageously comprises a tip 280 which makes it possible to integrate the head 200 into a fluid circulation network, such as a heat transfer fluid. Advantageously, this allows rapid assembly of the connector in a thermal management system. In addition, the connector can be removed from the thermal management system and therefore reusable.

In a preferred embodiment, the head has a male end 280A and a female end 280B, which allows the heads 200 to connect to each other directly or via adapters.

Advantageously, no connecting piece is necessary to directly link connectors and form a circulation passage.

In a preferred embodiment, the head 200 is provided with a triangular or trapezoidal shaped cavity 270, as will be seen later.

There Figure 3B represents a preferred embodiment in which the drawer 600 is secured to the joint ring 400. It is particularly advantageous, because this allows the joint ring 400 to be placed in the housing 230 while keeping its shape. In a preferred embodiment, the drawer 600 and the seal ring 400 are overmolded.

According to an embodiment not illustrated, the drawer 600 and the joint ring 400 are two separate parts. The seal ring can be placed on the drawer 600 before it is inserted into the housing 230.

In one embodiment, the joint ring 400, independently of the drawer 600, can be introduced into the housing 230 of the head 200.

The drawer 600 comprises a first blocking element 640, such as an undercut, which can cooperate with the first fixing means 220 of the head, such as a window, to form a first mechanical fixing means, such as a snap connection. Advantageously, this makes it possible to maintain the drawer in a first position within the housing 230 of the head. In this first position, the drawer 600 is pre-assembled in the head. The drawer 600 comprises a second blocking element 660, such as an undercut, which can cooperate with the second fixing means 240 of the head, such as a window, to form a second mechanical fixing means, such as a snap connection. Advantageously, this makes it possible to maintain the drawer in a second position within the housing 230 of the head.

Advantageously, the head 200 has an opening allowing it to receive a tool for releasing the drawer 600 in the first position and/or the second position. In other words, the connector can be demonstrated using a simple tool.

On the Figure 4 , we observe a connector 10A, in which the drawer 600 is received in the head 200 with the seal ring 400 disposed between the head and the drawer. The drawer 600 is in a first position, called the assembly position, in which the drawer 600 is ready to receive a tube 20 at one end so that the tube 20 passes through the joint ring 400. In the mode of realization illustrated on the Figure 5 , the connector 10B includes a clip 300 located at the bottom of the housing 230 to at least partially retain an end section of the tube 20.

The tube is then introduced into the drawer 600 by pushing it towards the head 200 until it abuts with the bottom of the housing 230. In the embodiment illustrated on the Figures 6A and 6C , the drawer 600 is in the first position vis-à-vis the head 200. The tube 20 passes through the seal ring 400. In a preferred embodiment, the seal ring 400 does not come into contact with the tube 20 in this first position. Advantageously, this makes it possible to avoid damage to the joint ring 400 by the tube 20 during its introduction.

On the Figure 6B , we observe that the joint ring 400 is located between the side wall of the housing 230 and the tube 20, on the one hand, and between the drawer 600 and the bottom of the housing 230, on the other hand.

The drawer 600 is then pressed so that it moves from the first position to a second position, called the working position, in the housing 230. In this second position, the joint ring 400 is compressed or deformed by the drawer 600 . THE Figures 7A and 7C illustrate this working position. As illustrated on the Figure 6B , the joint ring 400 is sandwiched between the drawer 600 and an internal wall of the housing 230 in the second position.

In a preferred embodiment, the head 200 is completed by a triangular or trapezoidal shaped cavity 270. The fluid which exits the tube 20 enters the triangular or trapezoidal shaped cavity of the head 200 before exiting through the nozzle 280 Advantageously, this makes it possible to attenuate the hydraulic pressure exerted by the fluid in the connector and the tube.

In one embodiment, the head includes visual control means allowing the state of assembly between the head and the drawer to be checked, for example a control window.

Advantageously, the seal ring 400 is a compressible sealing ring and has a simple ring shape.

Advantageously, the joint ring has a shape which adapts to the section of the tube 20 and to the wall of the housing 230.

In a preferred embodiment, the seal ring 400 is advantageously made of elastomeric material.

In the compressed state, the seal ring 400 comes into contact with the surface of the tube 20, this making it possible to ensure sealing between the tube and the seal ring. Even advantageously, the joint ring 400 compressed by the drawer 600 ensures mechanical gripping with the tube which is retained in the connector despite the pressure of the fluid.

Advantageously, the seal ring 400 is of suitable material which makes it possible to resist the pressure difference of the fluid.

There Figure 8A represents a sectional view of the Figure 6C . S1 means the direction of fluid circulation in the tube 20. The fluid can also circulate in the opposite direction. The drawer 600 housed in the head 200 is in the first position. The head 200 advantageously includes a narrower orifice in the continuity of the housing 230. This orifice is part of the fluid circulation network. We can then press the tube 20 inserted into the passage hole of the drawer up to the stop.

In one embodiment, the tube 20 is embedded in the orifice of the head.

There Figure 8B represents a sectional view of the Figure 7C . S2 means the direction of thrust force applied to the drawer 600 so that it moves into the second position.

Advantageously, the fact that the drawer 600 enters its second position gives the operator a feeling of clipping.

The joint ring 400 sandwiched between the drawer 600 and a wall of the housing 230 deforms in the second position, so as to create an interference with the wall of the housing 230 and with the external surface of the tube 20. The presence of reference ensures advantageously the sealing of the different interfaces. Advantageously, the tube 20 has a rigid exterior surface. This makes it possible to reinforce the seal obtained. Advantageously, this makes it possible to reduce the assembly force, more particularly the force for introducing the tube, because the joint ring is compressed by the slide after the introduction of the tube 20 into the connector. This elastic deformation ensures contact sealing at the joint plane.

Advantageously, the deformation of the seal ring makes it possible to increase the contact pressure between the seal ring and the tube.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the joint ring 400 is provided with two retaining lips 420 on its internal surface. This makes it possible to obtain better sealing and/or better mechanical grip with respect to the tube 20. The joint ring may include even more retaining lips on its internal surface.

There Figure 9A represents a perspective view of a group of cylindrical batteries 30 integrated in a thermal management system whose thermal management tubes 20 are connected to connectors 10A, 10B according to the present invention. Advantageously, the tube 20 has at least one corrugated surface which is in contact with objects to be cooled such as prismatic batteries 30. The thermal management system further comprises an input 2 and a common output 4.

In an embodiment not illustrated, the tube 20 advantageously has at least one flat surface which is in contact with objects to be cooled such as “pouch” type batteries, cylindrical, prismatic.

There Figure 9B shows a partial view of the battery bank of the Figure 9A .

Advantageously, the male end 280A and the female end 280B allow the connectors to connect and integrate into the thermal management system.

THE Figures 10A-10C illustrate a variant of a connector according to the present invention. This connector can have all the characteristics of a connector presented previously in this disclosure.

On the Figure 10A , we observe a top view of a connector 10C according to this embodiment having received a tube 20.

The head 100 includes a tip on the same plane of the head 100. Advantageously, the head 100 is provided, on the same plane as the head, with two opposite tips, this allowing the connectors to connect directly or via an adapter.

We observe on the Figure 10B a sectional view of a connector according to this embodiment. The drawer 600 is in the second position with the compressed seal ring 400 sandwiched between the drawer and a wall of the housing.

There Figure 10C represents another sectional view of a 10C connector of the Figure 10A which further comprises a clip 300. The tube 20 is retained by the clip 300 in this position.

There Figure 11 represents a perspective view of a group of 30A prismatic batteries integrated into a thermal management system.

We observe on the Figure 11 part of a thermal management system in which connectors 10C are interconnected and are connected to tubes 20.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the 10C connectors are interconnected via an adapter.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[Tables 1] References Designations 10A;10B;10C Connector 20 Tube 22 Channel 30 Battery (cylindrical cell) 30A Battery (prismatic cell) 100 Head 200 Head 210 Body 220 First means of fixation 230 Accommodation 240 Second means of fixing 260 Visual control means 270 Triangular or trapezoidal part 280 Tip 280A Male end 280B Female end 300 Clip 320 Internal space 340 Inside placket 360 Outer leg 400 Seal ring 420 Retaining lip 600 Drawer 602 First end 604 Second end 640 First blocking element 660 Second blocking element

Claims (17)

Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) for connecting to a tube (20), comprising a head (200), a slide (600) provided with a through hole (620), and a seal ring (400) disposed between the head and the drawer, the head (200) comprising a housing (230) capable of receiving a first end (602) of the drawer,
characterized in that
the drawer received in the housing (230) comprises: a first position, called the assembly position, in which the drawer (200) is able to receive a tube (20) via a second end (604) of the drawer so that the tube passes through the joint ring (400) ; And a second position, called the working position, in which the joint ring (400) can be compressed by the first end (602) of the drawer; And that the drawer (600) moves from the first position to the second position under the effect of a pushing force. Connector (10B) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a clip (300) arranged between the joint ring (400) and a stop within the housing (230) and the clip comprises an internal space (320 ) capable of receiving at least partially an end section of a tube (20). Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drawer (200) is retained at the head (200) in the first position and/or in the second position by mechanical fixing means . Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drawer (200) is retained at the head (200) in the first position and/or in the second position by a snap connection. Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the seal ring (400) is a sealing ring. Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the joint ring (400) is sandwiched between the drawer (600) and a wall of the housing (230) when the drawer (600) is found in the second position. Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal ring (400) comprises at least two retaining lips (420) on its interior surface. Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the drawer (600) and the seal ring (400) are overmolded. Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the head (200) has an opening allowing it to receive a tool for releasing the drawer (600) in the first position and/or the second position. Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the head (200) comprises a cavity of triangular or trapezoidal shape in the continuation of the housing (230). Connector (10A; 10B; 10C) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the head (200) comprises visual inspection means making it possible to check the state of assembly between the head (200) and the drawer (600) . Assembly of a connector according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a tube received in the drawer (600). Assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that , in the second position, the joint ring (400) compressed by the drawer (600) ensures a seal between the head (200) and the tube (20). Assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that , in the second position, the joint ring (400) compressed by the drawer (600) ensures mechanical gripping with the tube (20). Assembly according to claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the tube is a micro-channel tube comprising at least one flat surface. Assembly according to claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the tube is a micro-channel tube comprising at least one corrugated surface. Assembly according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that , in the second position, the joint ring (400) compressed by the drawer (600) interferes with an interior wall of the housing (230).

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